PCDD/Fs in Plasma of Individuals Living Near a Hazardous Waste Incinerator. A Comparison of Measured Levels and Estimated Concentrations by PBPK Modeling

Abstract

The construction of the first and, until now, only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain finished in 1998. To assess its potential impact on the population living in the vicinity, a surveillance program was established. It includes the periodical biomonitoring of PCDD/Fs body burden. On the basis of this program, in 2012 we determined the levels of PCDD/Fs in plasma of nonoccupationally exposed individuals living near the HWI. The results were compared with those of the baseline study, and with those of two previous surveys (2002 and 2007). A multicompartment, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was also applied to estimate the levels of PCDD/Fs in plasma. The model was validated by comparing the results with our experimental data (baseline, 2002, 2007, and 2012). The current mean concentration was 6.18 pg I-TEQ/g lipid, with a range between 2.03 and 18.8 pg I-TEQ/g lipid. In 1998 (baseline), the mean concentration of PCDD/Fs in plasma was 27.0 pg I-TEQ/g lipid (reduction of 77%, p < 0.001). Significant reductions were also noted in our previous 2002 and 2007 surveys, with mean concentrations of 15.7 and 9.36 pg I-TEQ/g lipid, respectively. However, the comparison between simulated (using the PBPK model) and experimental results was very successful, as PCDD/F values in plasma were very similar (7.95 vs 6.18 pg I-TEQ/g lipid). The levels of PCDD/Fs in plasma of nonoccupationally exposed individuals living near the HWI here assessed are comparatively lower than most recently reported values.